Have you ever walked down the street and had to double take because the person you just walked past was a dead ringer for someone famous? Well it might just be that the person is who you thought it was as Hastings, Bexhill and Rye have had a few famous residents over the years.

Here is our list of ten famous faces that have been born or have lived in these area’s.

Jo Brand

Comedian Jo Brand lived in Hastings when her Mum and Dad decided to move to the seaside town from Tunbridge Wells. Jo attended the Hastings High School for Girls. Jo then went onto university where she studied Social Science and Nursing. Once graduated she became a psychiatric nurse. Jo made her first appearance as a comedian on Have I Got News For You.

Paul McCartney

Sir James Paul McCartney MBE and musician gained worldwide fame as a member of the Beatles. Paul has had a house in Peasmarsh since the sixties where he spent most of his married life with his wife Linda McCartney .

Graham Norton

Graham William Walker better known by his stage name Graham Norton is a much loved radio presenter, comedian and actor. Graham currently has his own talk show. Graham lives in a contemporary house in the Cooden Beach area. As a resident of Cooden Beach he is often seen walking his dogs along the beach.

Suggs (Graham McPherson)

Suggs is best known as the lead vocalist for the 1970’s band Madness. Suggs was born in Hastings in 1961. He was raised by his mother in Hastings who was a Jazz singer until they moved onto Liverpool when he was still a child.

Tom Baker

Tom Baker is the longest running Doctor Who having played the roll for over 40 years. After a prolific acting career which has included working with the National Theatre, Tom has settled in Rye and enjoys pottering about and popping into his favourite local hotspots.

Spike Milligan

Sir Terence Alan “Spike” Milligan was a comedian, writer, musician, poet, playwright, soldier and actor. Spike was stationed in Bexhill while in the army during the second world war, and most of the first volume of his war memoirs takes place there.

Joanna Lumley

Joanna Lumley is one of Britain’s high profile actresses and She began her career as a model before gaining her first acting role. Her roles include appearing as a Bond Girl in On Her Majesty’s Service Purdey in the television series The New Avengers and she is best known for playing Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous. Joanna was educated at St Mary’s Convent School in St Leonards.

Desmond Llewelyn

The late Desmond Llewelyn famous for his role a Q in the James Bond films made his home in Bexhill after meeting his wife after appearing at the De La Warr Pavilion. Desmond sadly died aged 85 in 1999.

Simon Fuller

Simon Fuller is probably best known as the former manager of the Spice Girls. Simon was born in Cyprus and lived out there until his family moved to Hastings where his father became headmaster of one of the schools that Simon was a pupil at.

Eddie Izzard

Stand up comedian and well know cross dresser Eddie Izzard spent part of his childhood years in Bexhill and used to sell ice-creams at the bottom of Galley Hill when he was growing up. His father is a retired BP accountant who still resides in Bexhill.

So there you have it our list of some of the rich and famous that live or may of lived close by. Have we missed anyone out? If so then go on over to our Facebook page and let everyone know.